Enumclaw Relay For Life is thanking local heroes by inviting anyone who serves the community to participate in a special “local heroes lap” at Relay For Life June 20 at J.J. Smith Elementary.

In honor of the event’s 25th anniversary, Relay For Life invites community groups – including the fire department, police department, medical support staff, civic organizations, church groups, veterans, community volunteers and others – to join together in the fight against cancer.

Opening ceremonies begin at noon June 20 and the “local heroes lap” will be at 1 p.m. Everyone in the community is invited to turn out to help celebrate the start of the 2009 Relay For Life with entertainment from the Muckleshoot dancers, a Mr. Relay competition, live music from Fabulous Murphtones and Howling Rain, a luminiaria ceremony and more.

“Our community could not exist without our generous volunteers,” said Gretchen Waller, chairwoman of Enumclaw Relay For Life. “It’s important to bring them together to honor their hard work and to give them our support and thanks.”

Relay For Life is an overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for the American Cancer Society. Relay For Life helps communities celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.

For more information about Enumclaw Relay For Life, visit: www.enumclawrelay.com

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

For information about the society, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.